Mate line closure and aesthetic structural embellishment

ABSTRACT

A mate line closure and aesthetic structural embellishment for structures, included modular buildings. A pair of elongated modular elements, forming part of a modular unit, are provided, having junction ends proximate one another when assembled as the modular unit. A key joins the modular elements at the junction ends, the key forming a finished union with opposite side plates and a bottom plate. The modular unit is installed in portions in a building, such as at a mate line, and is preferably secured to an under support installed before the elements of the modular unit are then installed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a mate line closure for modular buildings and the like, as well as an architectural embellishment that can be installed anywhere in a structure, whether a modular building or otherwise.

Modular buildings and modular housing, as the names suggest, are formed of elements that are joined together in one fashion or another. Often, the joints in the interior of the structure are hidden by conventional means, such as applying drywall mud to seal any cracks where modular sections are joined. However, due to the modularity of the structures, and temperature variations, as well as settling, often cracks reappear resulting in an unsightly final structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an aesthetic structural embellishment, comprising a pair of elongated modular elements, each modular element comprising a portion of a modular unit, with the modular elements having junction ends proximate one another when comprising the modular unit. A key is provided, forming a union of the modular elements at the junction ends, with the key covering at least a portion of the modular elements at the junction ends.

In accordance with the preferred form of the invention, each modular element comprises spaced opposite panels. A panel spreader is located between the panels, maintaining a pre-determined spacing between the panels, and the panels are affixed to the spreader. A cover is provided for, and extending essentially co-terminally with, the panels. A filler, such as foam, may be added, substantially occupying space between the panels.

In one form of the invention, the key comprises opposite side plates and a bottom plate. A spreader segment may be provided, extending between and normal to the side plates.

Preferably an end cap is provided for each of the modular elements. Depending on the architectural requirements, in one form of the invention, the cap comprises a bonnet. In another form of the invention, the cap comprises an architectural pillar. For further architectural interest, an architectural column may be associated with each modular element.

To accommodate irregularities in structures, an elongated spacer can be provided for one side of the modular unit. The spacer is just as its name suggests, something to fill what otherwise would be a void.

In all forms of the invention, it is preferred that an under support be first secured to the structure with the modular elements then secured to the under support. The under support comprises a top member and opposite side members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in greater detail in the following description of examples embodying the best mode of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates installation of the invention extending across a building,

FIG. 2 illustrates installation of the invention extending longitudinally in a building,

FIG. 3 illustrates certain elements of one form of the invention, in the fashion in which they are installed,

FIG. 4 is a view opposite to that shown in FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 shows installation of the underlying support, which may be of wood, to cover a mate line,

FIG. 6 shows completion of installation of the support in joining of two modular elements,

FIG. 7 illustrates installation of a modular element according to the invention,

FIG. 8 is a side elevational illustration showing the installation of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 illustrates final assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8,

FIG. 10 illustrates an interior building structure, before installation of the invention has begun,

FIG. 11 illustrates installation of the under support for the modular elements of the modular unit according to the invention,

FIG. 12 is an illustration similar to FIG. 11, somewhat enlarged, showing installation of under supports,

FIG. 13 illustrates placement of modular elements on an installed under support,

FIG. 14 illustrates further steps of installation, including the key and end caps,

FIG. 15 illustrates addition of architectural columns,

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14, but with the modular elements farther separated,

FIG. 17 illustrates addition of architectural columns to the version of the invention shown in FIG. 16,

FIG. 18 is a slightly modified version of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 4,

FIG. 18A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a modular element illustrated in FIG. 18, in assembly form,

FIG. 18B is similar to FIG. 18A, as ultimately assembled,

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates installation of a modular element, including addition of a foam filler,

FIG. 20 illustrates installation of a portion of a modified version of the invention,

FIG. 21 shows completion of installation of the version shown in FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing initial installation of the under support where adjacent wall elements are not flush,

FIG. 23 shows continued installation of that shown in FIG. 22, with a spacer in place,

FIG. 24 shows completion of installation of the under support of FIG. 22,

FIG. 25 shows installation of a modular element to the under support of FIGS. 22 through 24,

FIG. 26 shows completion of the installation shown in FIG. 25,

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a modular element of another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 28 is an end perspective view of an end cap of the invention,

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of completed installation of another form of the invention, having openings in the modular elements, and

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating yet another version of the invention.

DESCRIPTIONS OF EXAMPLES EMBODYING THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate installation of an aesthetic structural embellishment 10 according to the invention in a building 12, FIG. 1 showing the embellishment 10 installed laterally in the building, such as across a mate line, and FIG. 2 illustrates installation of the embellishment 10 longitudinally in the building 12. While only a single embellishment 10 is illustrated in each of FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that any number of such structures can be installed in a building 12, as desired.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one form of the invention. An under support 14 is provided, comprising at least one top member 16 and opposite site members 18 and 20. The top and side members 16 through 20 can be made of multiple elements and, although preferably of wood as illustrated, can be made of any appropriate material sufficient to support installation of the embellishment 10.

A pair of elongated modular elements 22 and 24 comprise portions of a modular unit. The modular elements 22 and 24 may be identical, each comprising spaced opposite panels 26 and 28 with a horizontal panel spreader 30 and vertical panel spreader 32 to which the panels 26 and 28 are appropriately affixed, such as by conventional means, whether it be adhesives, fasteners or any combination thereof, or any other type of fastening of two elements together.

Although not illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, but illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the modular elements 22 and 24 also include a cover 34, which extends co-terminally with the panel 26 and 28 to aesthetically complete each of the modular elements 22 and 24. While not always necessary, each of the panels 26 and 28 can include further covers 36 and 38, if desired.

Also if desired, each of the modular elements 22 and 24 may be filled with an appropriate filler 40, such as foam or any other similar material. The filler 40 occupies space between the panels 26 and 28, substantially filling any voids between the panels, lending to structural stability of the structural embellishment 10.

FIGS. 5 through 9 illustrate installation of the embellishment 10. First, the top member 16 and side members 18 and 20 are affixed by appropriate means, such as screw fasteners 42.

Once the under support 14 is in place, the modular elements 22 and 24 are then mounted, as illustrated in FIG. 9. One of the primary elements of the invention is a key 47 forming a union of the modular elements 22 and 24. The key 47 covers portions of the modular elements 22 and 24 at junction ends 44 and 46 thereof. While the key 47 can include multiple parts for aesthetic purposes, the basic portions of the key 47 include opposite side plates 48 and 50. A spreader segment 52 extends between and normal to the side plates 48 and 50, filling any gap between the opposite junction ends 44 and 46 of the modular elements 22 and 24. In versions of the invention with greater spacing between the junction ends, a bottom plate can also form part of the key, as illustrated in the embodiments below.

FIGS. 10 through 13 further illustrate installation of the invention in a building 10. As explained above, first the under support is secured in place. In FIG. 11, the under support composes a top member 16 and opposite, full length side member 18′ and 20′. In FIG. 12, the side members 18 and 20 are as illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 9. However, in FIG. 12, the top member 16 is shown as comprising more than one part.

Once the modular elements 22 and 24 are in place, the key 47 is applied by means of the side plates 48 and 50, and then, to cover the full length side members 18′ and 20′, opposite end caps 54 and 56 are applied. The end caps 54 and 56 are full length, comprising architectural pillars. To complete the installation, architectural columns 58 associated with each of the modular elements 22 and 24 conclude the installation.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a form of the invention quite similar to that of FIGS. 15, except that the modular elements 22 and 24 are formed to lap slightly onto the building 12, thus having a greater gap between the junction ends 44 and 46 of the modular elements 22 and 24. In the version of FIG. 16, the end cap 54 and end cap 56 (not illustrated) are ultimately applied. They are absent in FIG. 17. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, for additional support, angles 60 can be installed prior to installation of the side members 18′ and 20′. Columns 58 are included as desired.

FIG. 18 illustrates a slightly modified version of the invention, in which the side members 18 and 20 of the under support 14 include respective extensions 62 and 64 which fit in notches 66 in the modular elements 22 and 24. FIGS. 18A and 18B show a portion of the same structure, with the addition of elongated horizontal spaces 68 and vertical spaces 70 applied to the modular element 24 as shown. The spacers 68 and 70 can be applied, or not, to accommodate variations in modular sections of which the building 12 is constructed.

Also illustrated in FIG. 18 is a modified key 47. The key 47 is composed of opposite side plates 48 and 50, and a bottom plate 72. FIG. 18 illustrates one other feature, and that is an end cap 74 in the form of a bonnet. One end cap is installed at the bottom of each of the modular elements 22 and 24, and is constructed to include a notch 76 to accommodate the extensions 62 and 64.

FIGS. 19 through 21 illustrate installation of the invention when employing the bonnet end caps 74. Once the modular elements 22 and 24 are in place, the filler 40 is installed while the modular elements are held in place, such as by jacks 78. The end caps 74 and key are installed, and the final structure is as illustrated in FIG. 21.

FIGS. 22 through 26 illustrate installation in a building, such as along a mate line 80, where adjoining modular sections 82 and 84 of the building do not align in a flush manner. Once the top member 16 of the under support 14 is installed on the protruding modular section 18, the elongated spacer 86 is installed in the gaps between the top member 16 and the modular section 84. Final fasteners 42, with washers 88, complete the installation of the top member 16.

Once the top member 16, and side members 18 and 20, are in place, the modular elements 22 and 24 are then installed, and to accommodate the uneven junction between the modular sections 82 and 84, one side of the modular elements 22 and 24 also includes an elongated spacer 90.

In the version of the invention illustrated in FIG. 27, all elements remain the same, except that mounting brackets 92 and 94 are included in each of the modular elements 22 and 24. The mounting brackets 92 and 94 include apertures, as appropriate, for passage of fasteners.

A bonnet end cap is shown in FIG. 28. The end cap 74 is the same as that shown in FIG. 18 and, preferably, is composed of wood, although other materials can be used, as well.

FIG. 29 illustrates a modified form of the invention, where the aesthetic structural embellishment 10′ includes openings 96 and 98. Otherwise, the embellishment 10′ is constructed as described above, and for aesthetic purposes, the key 47 includes an additional side plate 100 on either or both sides, as shown. The end caps 74′ are simply horizontal plates. Primes have been applied to the numbers where elements are modified. Similarly, in FIG. 30, a modified aesthetic structural embellishment 10′ is shown.

Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof or scope of the following claims. 

1. An aesthetic structural embellishment, comprising a. a pair of elongated modular elements, each modular element comprising a portion of a modular unit, said modular elements having junction ends proximate one another when comprising said modular unit, b. a key forming a union of said modular elements at said junction ends, said key covering at least a portion of said modular elements at said junction ends.
 2. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 1, in which each modular element comprises spaced, opposite panels.
 3. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 2, including a panel spreader maintaining a predetermined spacing between said panels, and to which said panels are affixed.
 4. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 2, including a cover for and extending essentially co-terminally with said panels.
 5. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 1, in which said key comprises opposite side plates and a bottom plate.
 6. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 1, in which said key comprises opposite side plates.
 7. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 6, including a spreader segment extending between and normal to said side plates.
 8. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 1, including an end cap for each modular element.
 9. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 8, in which said end cap comprises a bonnet.
 10. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 8, in which said end cap comprises an architectural pillar.
 11. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 1, including an architectural column associated with each modular element.
 12. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 1, including an elongated spacer for one side of said modular unit.
 13. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 1, including an under support for said modular elements to which said modular elements are secured.
 14. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 13, in which said under support comprises a top member and opposite side members.
 15. An aesthetic structural embellishment, comprising a. a pair of elongated modular elements, each modular element comprising a portion of a modular unit, and each modular element comprising i. spaced, opposite panels, ii. a panel spreader maintaining a predetermined spacing between said panels, iii. a cover for said panels, and iv. a filler substantially occupying space between said panels, b. an under support for said modular elements to which said modular elements are secured, c. a key forming a union of said modular elements at said junction ends, said key covering at least a portion of said modular elements at said junction ends, and d. an end cap for each modular element.
 16. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 15, in which said key comprises opposite side plates and a bottom plate.
 17. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 15, in which said key comprises opposite side plates.
 18. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 17, including a spreader segment extending between and normal to said side plates.
 19. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 15, in which said end cap comprises a bonnet.
 20. The aesthetic structural embellishment according to claim 15, in which said end cap comprises an architectural pillar. 